Mar 12, 2017 2 min read

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their strong spring training Sunday, as veteran backup catcher Chris Stewart hit a three-double to lift the team to a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins.

The win improved the Pirates to a National League-best 12-4 this spring, though many teams are currently playing without star players because of the World Baseball Classic.

The 35-year-old Stewart is slated to be Pittsburgh’s primary backup catcher to Francisco Cervelli, who is playing for Italy in the WBC. He went 2-for-2 with the double in a four-run third inning for the Pirates.

He saw his batting average dip to .214 last season in 113 plate appearances after batting .294 and .289 in his first two seasons with the Pirates.

“He’s hitting the ball hard where it’s pitched,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “He felt good enough to take off and run on his own today, so there you know how he’s feeling.”

Stewart’s double came against veteran Ryan Vogelsong, who is trying to make Minnesota’s roster this season after pitching for the Pirates in 2016. Vogelsong took the loss, allowing three runs on four hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Trevor Williams got the start and win for the Pirates, allowing two runs in three innings with three strikeouts before giving way to lefty Steven Brault. Brault did not allow a run in three innings.

Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to start today for the Pirates against Atlanta against veteran Bartolo Colon.